An Evanston & North Shore Family Law Firm

Whether you are considering divorce, have firmly decided to end things, or have questions, we can set up a quick 30-minute call. One of our lawyers will review your situation, go over what’s important to you, and offer some advice about the next steps. Our business hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm, and currently, we’re holding meetings via telephone or Zoom.

Getting a divorce started or pursuing custody does not really begin until you formally retain an attorney. This requires a signed agreement and a retainer payment. While we cannot predict the cost of any given case, we are committed to assisting clients affordably.

Once we know what you want to achieve, your attorney will gather information and begin the initial filings. If you anticipate an uncontested divorce, a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage can move to a conclusion, and a Judgment, pretty fast. But if disputes arise after your spouse is served, things can get complicated.

One of the first things we do is complete an exhaustive financial disclosure. This will be exchanged and used to make financial agreements, and seek court rulings if necessary, regarding support, marital debt, and asset division. We’ll go over everything, explaining what needs to be included and what you can achieve.

You understandably want to protect your kids. We share that goal. From day one, we’ll prioritize your children’s well-being, and develop a strategy that accounts for your financial future and theirs, their education and special needs (if any), and their safety and happiness. We’ll also discuss other practical matters like moving out of your home and financial security in the interim.

This is the formal process of requesting, gathering, and examining information between the two sides. The materials may include business records to confirm or dispute a financial affidavit, documents to support your custody plan, or depositions. This is a critical part of building family law cases and usually takes the most time, depending on the complexities.

Working things out cordially is always ideal. Negotiation requires both parties to compromise, but that doesn’t mean giving in to every demand. There are also instances when the other party won’t budge. We’ll help weigh your options, but the decision will always be yours.

Divorce and other family law matters usually end by negotiated settlement or trial. In the Chicagoland, that means appearing in court in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, or Will county. Having a judge resolve things should be your last resort, but it’s essential to work with an attorney capable of fighting for everything you’re entitled to.